Monday, August 28, 2017

Living
Wealth: Discover How to Get 12 Parts of Your Life into Balance and Harmony
by Roz Townsend. The author delves into different facets of your life that
affect your emotional being and how to change your thinking about them.

A
Child’s Introduction to Poetry by Michael Driscoll. The
book is accompanied by a cd in which the poetry inside is read aloud. An
example of different forms of poetry are included. The author also provides
short biographies of select poets and writers with a sample of their work. This
is a great resource for teachers and aspiring poets.

Styxx
by
Sherrilyn Kenyon is the story of Acheron’s twin brother in the Dark-Hunter
series. A prince who was never treated as one, yet, seen as spoiled and
pompous. It is the story of a man who defies all odds and still be humble and
just and caring. Quite an interesting character.

National Geographic’s Rarely Seen Photograph’s of the Extraordinary by Susan Tyler
Hitchcock. This collection of rare images of nature really opens up your eyes
to the variety on earth. Beautiful pictures you can escape to.

Monday, August 21, 2017

Someone once said writing was like breathing.
At times, writers stop breathing, but they can’t hold their breaths too long.
I’ve been writing stories for the past five years (more if you count the poetry
I started in High School). It had always been a dream to have something
published. So far, I have two short stories, one non-fiction piece, and am
querying agents for two novels I’ve written. Presently, I am working on a
fantasy novel and continue to write poetry.

Since the novels have yet to be published (and
I’m told it takes writers years before they do), I compiled a list of links to
some of the poems that were published online. Thanks to all the editors and
publishers who accepted my work. Enjoy!

Monday, August 14, 2017

If you’re always looking for tips and strategies for
dog training, here’s another book you might consider reading: 21 Days to the Perfect Dog by Karen
Wild.

Wild has a nice introduction and evaluation section
before you begin any training. The second section, Wild provides a 21 window
for training your puppy/dog to sit, stay, roll over, ring the bell, getting off
the sofa/bed, and other useful activities to stimulate your dog.

Of course, not all dogs learn the same or will manage
to do the tricks presented in the book. I suggest to take your time and repeat,
repeat, repeat! Practice will help your dog retain the information of what’s
expected in a respectful, positive, fair, and fun atmosphere. The goal is
mastery and not accomplishing each task in a short time.

Wild also adds a third section I find very helpful.
Here, she provides some solutions to help your dog avoid behaviors such as
excessive barking and digging. For example, if your puppy is chewing you out of
home, then, provide alternative items or toys the dog can chew on. If your dog
is easily distracted, make sure you ask them to sit and stay and watch you
before giving another command.

Teach your puppy to greet used to grooming and
trimming of nails by touching those areas every day, then, moving on to
trimming one nail a day until you can do all in one day.

Monday, August 7, 2017

“The more you love what you are doing,
the more successful it will be for you.”

Jerry Gillies

Recent rejections really brought this quote to life.
Though, most of the rejections were nice, I stared at the e-mails as if hoping
I was reading something different. Then, I realized, I can’t sit and stare at
the screen, I had to keep writing, keep sending queries and researching agents
(many switch agencies), and keep reading.

Writing is important to me. The rejections are part of
what this world is about. Nothing is for free and I shouldn’t think one query
would get me in the door. I love creating characters and writing their stories
too much to stop. The more I do what I do, the closer I get to the success I
want.

Luckily, I have had some poetry published and a few
short stories. Most of my drafts I share with you. So, if you haven’t already,
take a look at them and feel free to tweet me about them @m_a_Arana. Thanks!

About Me

Maria A. Arana is a poet and writer in the making.
This blog provides the opportunity to share information of interest. There will fluidly be myriad topics posted. The goal is to have a new post every week. There may be more or none.
Thoughts rain down on us into words. Sometimes, we are not actually sure whether the voices will come down as drizzle, hale, or storm, but they are there, waiting to shower us into their mist.

Wings, Part 3 Though, he had not disclosed his thoughts to his parents the days after his conversation with Jenny, James continued pr...

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Maria A. Arana 2013-2018. All rights reserved. Any unauthorized use and/or duplication of this blog’s material without the expressed and written permission from this blog’s author is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Maria A. Arana and Raining Voices Blog with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.